The transfer of approximately 177,000 official military personnel files from the Air Force to the National Archives and Records Administration here Nov. 18 marked a milestone as the final service to make its historical documents a part of the public record.
"This is an especially historic day for the United States Air Force," said Ron Hindman, the National Personnel Records Center director.
"With the establishment of the Air Force as a separate military service in 1947, the air arm of our nation's military was official created," he said. "We celebrate the next stage for the Air Force as the first official military personnel files begin a second life as archival documents of the United States."
more...
Security forces Airmen mentored their Iraqi counterparts during a meeting at a local police station here Nov. 15 as part of an on going training program and in anticipation of upcoming elections.
The Airmen work as part of a police training team and are assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Det. 2, at Camp Striker, Iraq.
The Air Force now assists the Army in the effort, which has succeeded in refining the skills and abilities to a point where many of the stations now operate on their own with minimal supervision by the U.S. military.
more...
The holiday season is almost upon us and some deployed Airmen may find themselves wrestling with a combination of stressors during the 40 or so days between Thanksgiving and the New Year.
Many Airmen can find themselves overwhelmed with feelings of sadness or depression because they miss friends and family back home and are struggling with personal relationships. Or they are dealing with financial problems that are difficult and weigh on them heavily.
Whatever the case, all Airmen are strongly encouraged to seek out and help their fellow Airmen with holiday stress.
more...
The 2008-2009 Air Education and Training Command Educator of the Year awards ceremony here Nov. 16 honored three individuals who made significant contributions to AETC's educational mission during the academic year.
The AETC Educator of the Year awards are presented to the top enlisted, officer and civilian faculty members at Air University.
"This highly competitive award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to AETC's educational mission during the academic year of July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009," he said.
more...
In their season opener, the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons beat the Western State Mountaineers, 65-54, at Clune Arena here Nov. 13, 2009.
View
slideshow.
more...
Capt. Marian Collins' third deployment to Afghanistan in October became her most rewarding one. Not because of any medal earned or battle fought, but because she reached out to an Afghan youth whose gratitude gave added meaning to her team's mission.
Captain Collins, the assistant director of operations for the 571st Global Mobility Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., was deployed to Shindand, Afghanistan, to restore a 1960s-era airfield to accommodate air mobility operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
more...
As people prepare for the upcoming holiday season, it's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season and not think about safety. For the Air Force Safety Center team, the holiday season, which runs from the day before Thanksgiving to the day after New Years, can be one of the most dangerous times of the year.
Over the last five years there has been an average of six deaths a year over the holidays: 14 were the result of car accidents, seven were motorcycle incidents, one was a pedestrian death and the rest involved miscellaneous sports/recreation activities.
more...
The Air Force's top leaders send the Air Force family a holiday safety message and remind all to celebrate responsibly.
Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz issued the following message:
"Happy Holidays! Whether you are deployed, stationed overseas or living in the U.S., each of you should enjoy the season and celebrate in your own special way. However, we encourage you to celebrate responsibly. The Air Force needs you back at work, but more importantly, your friends and family need you in their lives. As the Air Force observes the Year of the Air Force Family, we ask you to consider how the results of your personal risk-related decisions and actions might affect your family and friends. What better gift can you give than to arrive home safely for the holidays?
more...
Looking back over two garrison command tours and one deployed command tour I believe there are four things that, if consistently applied, will lead to every Airman being successful. These four things are as follows:
1) Mission First
2) Leave it Better Than You found It
3) Take Care of Each Other
4) Believe In Something.
The idea of mission first is that we took an oath to defend our nation and we get paid well to compensate us for our sacrifices; that money should be earned every day. Less than one percent of our nation swears to protect and serve their fellow countrymen. That makes you a precious resource.
more...
Air Force Materiel Command nuclear surety inspections of two wings at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., last week found deficiencies which led to an overall rating of unsatisfactory. An NSI is designed to thoroughly evaluate a unit's ability to manage nuclear resources while complying with all nuclear standards, and takes place every 18 months.
"Unsatisfactory inspection results should not be interpreted as suggesting that the ultimate security, safety or health of the American people has been put at risk," said Gen. Don Hoffman, AFMC commander. "However, we must meet the highest standards of safety, security and reliability in maintaining the nuclear force. Anything less than full compliance is not acceptable."
more...
